How to Claim Your Freighter in No Man’s Sky: A Comprehensive Guide
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Claiming a freighter in No Man’s Sky is a pivotal moment, granting you a mobile base, resource storage, and command of a powerful fleet. This guide will walk you through the process and answer common questions to ensure you get the most out of your intergalactic acquisition.
The Initial Claim: A Free Freighter Awaits
The first freighter you can claim in No Man’s Sky is free, and it’s part of a scripted event designed to introduce you to freighter ownership. This encounter triggers a few hours into the game and after making a few warp jumps between star systems, usually around the fourth or fifth jump.
Responding to the Distress Call
As you warp into a new system, you’ll likely receive a distress call. This is your cue! A freighter is under attack by pirates, and your intervention is needed. To successfully claim the freighter, you must engage the pirate fleet and neutralize the threat.
Liberating the Freighter
Engage in combat with the pirate ships, using your starship’s weapons and maneuverability to destroy them all. Once you’ve eliminated every pirate ship, the freighter’s captain will hail you. They will be incredibly grateful and invite you aboard.
Accepting the Command
Accept the captain’s invitation and dock with the freighter. You’ll be greeted by the captain who will offer you command of the ship as a reward for your heroism. This is where the magic happens! Accept their offer and the freighter is yours! This first freighter is usually a smaller, regular freighter with 15-19 inventory slots.
It’s important to note: If you decline the free freighter offer, the opportunity will present itself again after approximately 3 hours of gameplay and 5 warp jumps. The next freighter will also be free if you didn’t claim the first one, and it’s guaranteed to be a larger capital ship.
Should You Take the Freighter or the Payment?
For your first rescued freighter, it is generally advised that you accept the ship. However, there is a tactic where players select “Request payment instead” for the first freighter you rescue, as future rescued freighters will still be free as long as the player doesn’t own a freighter. This tactic is usually done by players who are trying to acquire an S-Class Capital Freighter for free.
Beyond the First: Acquiring More Freighters
While you only own one freighter at a time, the methods of obtaining them are varied:
Rescuing Freighters from Pirates
After you’ve claimed your first freighter, more opportunities to rescue freighters will occur. Each time you warp into a system you have a chance that a freighter distress call will occur, giving you another opportunity to obtain the ship by defeating attacking pirates. You will however, only be rewarded with a freighter if you do not already own one. This will continue happening until you purchase a freighter or accept one as a reward.
Buying a Freighter
If you want a specific freighter or missed the free freighter opportunity, you can also purchase one from captains within systems. You can find freighters by visiting a system and waiting for freighters to warp into it. When you see one that you like, you can approach it and try to land in its hangar. Once inside you should see the captain who will speak with you. You can then ask to buy their freighter. The price will vary on size, class, and inventory slots.
Salvaged or Derelict Freighters
These are found by purchasing an Emergency Broadcast Receiver at a space station from the Scrap Dealer. This device will allow you to locate a derelict freighter. Once found you can board it and search for loot. However, derelict freighters are not obtainable for free. You cannot claim them as your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding freighters in No Man’s Sky, to clarify any confusion and expand your understanding:
Is the first freighter always free in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, the first freighter you encounter that needs rescuing from pirates is always free. If you decline it, the next one you encounter will also be free as long as you don’t already own a freighter.
Can I own multiple freighters?
No, you can only own one freighter at a time. However, you can own up to 30 frigates which are managed from your freighter’s bridge.
What happens when I buy a new freighter?
When you purchase a new freighter, your existing freighter base is automatically transferred to the new ship. You will not lose any items stored on your freighter. You can also reset your freighter base to start with a clean slate.
Can other players see my freighter?
Yes, other players can see your freighter, but only one player’s freighter can be summoned and visible in a system at a time. This means that you may need to dismiss your own freighter for another player to see theirs.
How do I find a crashed freighter?
Crashed Freighters can only be found on planetary surfaces. You can locate them using a Signal Scanner, by talking to aliens at space stations, or through your Analysis Visor if they are nearby. However these cannot be claimed as your own freighter.
What are derelict freighters?
Derelict freighters are static, unresponsive ships found by using Emergency Broadcast Receivers. They have no owner, and are essentially abandoned husks full of potential loot, but cannot be claimed as a player’s freighter.
Is it worth buying a freighter?
Yes, owning a freighter in No Man’s Sky is highly beneficial. It serves as a mobile base, a storage hub, and a command center for your frigates. Whether you get it for free or purchase it, the investment is well worth the time or effort.
What is the biggest ownable ship in No Man’s Sky?
The largest ownable ship, other than the freighter, is a Hauler. These ships have the highest inventory slots and shield absorption of any starship.
What is the rarest freighter in NMS?
S-Class freighters are the rarest. They offer the highest stats and inventory slots, but require patience and a lot of traveling between systems to find.
How many free freighters can you own in No Man’s Sky?
You can only own one freighter at a time, but you can be given as many freighters as you want as a gift, as long as you don’t already own one. These will continue until you claim one for yourself, whether it be the first one offered or a later one.
How much storage does a freighter have in No Man’s Sky?
Freighters have storage units that can store a large amount of resources. You can build a maximum of ten storage units, each holding 50 stacks of items.
Can you ride a freighter?
While not a traditional “ride,” you can travel on your freighter. It acts as a mobile base that follows you when you summon it in a system. You can enter and exit your freighter at will.
Are all No Man’s Sky DLC free?
Yes, all DLC for No Man’s Sky has been released for free. This includes significant content updates and expansions.
How many ships can you own in No Man’s Sky?
You can own up to 12 starships at any given time. This allows for a diverse fleet of vessels to suit different gameplay purposes.
What happens if I refuse the Atlas NMS?
Refusing the Atlas will cause you to return to your exotic planet. This choice does not affect freighter acquisition.
By understanding the nuances of freighter ownership in No Man’s Sky, you can maximize your experience and enjoy the benefits of your very own mobile space base. Whether you’re accepting the first free freighter or saving up for a specific model, the journey to claim your freighter is a worthwhile endeavor in this expansive universe.